Authorities in the Northern Marianas says last year's Typhoon Yutu and a lack of construction workers has compounded the housing shortage in the islands.
Damage caused by Typhoon Yutu Photo: Mark Rabago
The Northern Marianas Housing Corporation is also facing issues with renovations and the upkeep of existing housing units.
To add to its woes the corporation said it had issues with a loan from the US Government's Housing and Urban Development agency, saying it was too low and there weren't enough habitable rental properties to begin with.
It said more construction workers would solve both issues.
However, the housing and apartment shortage could be alleviated next year with the corporation saying 119 units should become available then.